Entry
Besides personal effects, foreign currency exceeding US$ 2000,
jewellery, cameras and electronic goods must be declared on the
customs forms issued to each arriving visitor. The duty free
allowance for each visitor is two bottles of liquor, two cartons of
cigarettes or 100 cigars, 1.5 lbs of tobacco and a pint of perfume.
Departure
Export permit vouchers must be shown at customs for any gems or
jewellery bought in Myanmar. The export of antiques and
archaeologically valuable items is prohibited.
Reconfirmation
Visitors are advised to reconfirm International flights at the
airport or downtown airline offices before going upcountry.
Currency
The local currency is the “Kyat”. Kyat notes are issued in
denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.
Dress
Casual and light clothing are recommended all year round. A light
sweater or jacket will be useful during the cool season, and a heavy
sweater when traveling in hilly areas like Shan, Kachin & Chin
States.
Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate
because Myanmar preserves a conservative and largely Buddhist
culture. Particularly for temple visits, please dress
conservatively. It is obligatory to remove shoes and socks for all temple visits in
Myanmar. We recommend that visitors wear sandals or shoes, which are
easy to slip on and off. Hats and sunglasses are recommended, and an umbrella for the rainy
season is a must.
Health
Bottled water is recommended. It is not advisable to buy food or
fruit from street vendors unless you have a strong stomach. It is
also advisable to avoid shrimps, saltwater fish and shellfish during
the hot season. Visitors are strongly advised to use a sunscreen as
a protection against sunburn. There are pharmacies in all major
cities but visitors with a preexisting condition are advised to
bring their own medication.
Time
Local time is GMT + 6.5 hours.Office Hours
Government offices are open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to
Friday. Banks operate from 9:30 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Private
companies work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Shops and
shopping centers are open from about 9am to 9pm daily, including
holidays.
Electricity
Hotels have electricity around the clock, with generators to ensure
back-up supply. The current is run at 230 volts, 50 hertz AC.
Airport Tax
Airport tax is US$ 10 per head to be paid on departure.
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Telephone
Telephone services are available in all tourist destinations.
International roaming for mobile phones is not yet available.
Internet and e-mail. Hotels in major destinations offer internet services. There are more
than 400 internet cafes, most of which are in Yangon with a few
others in such cities as Mandalay, Bago, Pathein and Taunggyi.
Shopping
Many different arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout
Myanmar. Hand crafted lacquer ware, mostly produced in Bagan,
available in all shapes and sizes. Embroidered cottons and
woodcarvings also make good souvenirs.
You are advised to buy gems, jewellery and silverware at the Myanmar
Gems Shop and other authorized shops, where you will be given a
voucher with a permit for export.
Note: Most of the market and shops are closed on Public Holidays.
Public Holidays For Year 2010
| January 4 |
Independence Day |
 |
| February 12 |
Union Day |
| February 27 |
Full Moon Day of Tabaung |
| March 2 |
Peasants’ Day |
| March 27 |
Armed Forces Day |
| April 12 ~ 21 |
Water Festival & Myanmar New Year Holidays |
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| April 27 |
Full Moon Day of Kason |
| May 1 |
May Day |
| July 19 |
Martyrs’ Day |
| July 26 |
Full Moon Day of Waso |
| October 23 |
Full Moon Day of Thandingyut |
 |
| November 21 |
Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone |
| December 1 |
National Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas |
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